Dear Neighbor,

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to change daily, I will continue to share resources and updates that I hope you will find helpful. This email includes information regarding school and business closures, additional County park closures, an update from the Town of Herndon, and other County information and resources. 

School Closures

In a press conference this afternoon, Virginia Governor Northam announced that  all K-12 public schools across the C ommonwealth will be ordered to remain closed at least through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year.

Individual school districts are in communication with the Virginia Department of Education to determine next steps regarding how to proceed with education for all students and graduation for seniors.

Statewide Business Restrictions

Governor Northam also announced that he will be signing an Executive Order requiring that certain non-essential services close.   The order will remain in effect in Virginia for at least 30 days.

The following recreation and entertainment businesses are considered non-essential and must close to the public beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2020:

• Theaters, performing arts centers, concert venues, museums, and other indoor entertainment centers;
• Fitness centers, gymnasiums, recreation centers, indoor sports facilities, indoor exercise facilities;
• Beauty salons, barber shops, spas, massage parlors, tanning salons, tattoo shops, and any other location where personal care or personal grooming services are performed that would not allow compliance with social distancing guidelines to remain six feet apart;
• Racetracks and historic horse racing facilities;
• Bowling alleys, skating rinks, arcades, amusement parks, trampoline parks, fairs, arts and craft facilities, aquariums, zoos, escape rooms, indoor shooting ranges, public and private social clubs, and all other places of indoor public amusement.

All dining and congregation areas in the following establishments must close to the public beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. These establishments may continue to offer delivery and/or takeout services. Establishments include:

• Restaurants;
• Dining establishments;
• Food courts;
• Farmers markets;
• Breweries;
• Microbreweries;
• Distilleries;
• Wineries; and
• Tasting rooms.

The following retail businesses are considered essential and may remain open during normal business hours:

• Grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers that sell food and beverage products or pharmacy products, including dollar stores, and department stores with grocery or pharmacy operations;
• Medical, laboratory, and vision supply retailers;
• Electronic retailers that sell or service cell phones, computers, tablets, and other communications technology;
• Automotive parts, accessories, and tire retailers as well as automotive repair facilities;
• Home improvement, hardware, building material, and building supply retailers;
• Lawn and garden equipment retailers;
• Beer, wine, and liquor stores;
• Retail functions of gas stations and convenience stores;
• Retail located within healthcare facilities;
• Banks and other financial institutions with retail functions;
• Pet stores and feed stores;
• Printing and office supply stores; and
• Laundromats and dry cleaners.

All essential retail establishments must, to the extent possible, adhere to social distancing recommendations, enhanced sanitizing practices on common surfaces, and other appropriate workplace guidance from state and federal authorities. 

For a complete summary of Governor's Northam's announcements from his press conference today, visit https://bit.ly/2QGyfh3. 

Fairfax Connector Update

Beginning Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Fairfax Connector customers will be required to enter and exit the bus using the rear doors. This does not apply to customer­­s who need to use a wheelchair ramp. Fare collection on buses will also be temporarily suspended due to the location of fareboxes and SmarTrip equipment at the front entrance of buses. 

 

Currently, the Fairfax Connector operations contractor is continuing the following steps to maintain a safe and healthy environment for Fairfax Connector passengers and personnel:

• Reviewed and updated cleaning protocols, based on guidance from public health officials.
• Increased vehicle cleaning cycles with a special focus on bus interiors and critical touchpoints such as door handles, handrails and other surfaces. These cleanings incorporate disinfection procedures indicated to be effective against COVID-19.
• Regular communication with Fairfax Connector workforce to keep employees informed about the disease and guidance to prevent the spread of illness.

For more information, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/news/c10_20. 

March 24 Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Meeting

 

The March 24 Board of Supervisors meeting that was originally scheduled for 9:30 a.m. in the Government Center Board Auditorium will now take place at 3:30 p.m. in Conference Room 11.

The location change will allow Board Members to spread out more and adhere to current  social distancing guidelines. The time change reflects the postponement of presentations to the community and most public hearings, with the exception of two that are time sensitive. 

The agenda includes an emergency uncodified ordinance to establish methods to assure continuity in Fairfax County Government and conduct of Board of Supervisors meetings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency, in addition to resolutions to extend the deadline to file Personal Property Taxes and Real Estate Taxes.  

The full agenda is available online at  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/boardofsupervisors/mar-24-2020-meeting.

 

The meeting can be watched or listened to using the following channels:

• Watch the online live stream.
• Watch on TV on Cox channel 1016 or Verizon/Comcast channel 16.
• Listen to the live meeting audio by dialing 703-324-7700.
• View the video on demand following the meeting.

Fairfax County Park Authority Closures

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) announced additional closures today.  Effectively immediately, all FCPA playgrounds, skate parks, and restrooms will be closed until further notice. Portable restrooms will be placed near all bathrooms. Signs will be posted at all affected locations. Park visitors are asked to adhere to all closure notices and current social distancing recommendations. Health officials recommend refraining from playing on all playground equipment at this time, including community/neighborhood playgrounds. All Park Authority programs and events through April 14 have also been canceled.

• Stay home if you are sick.
• Do not engage in activities that require physical or shared contact.
• Avoid congregating in groups.
• Maintain a 6-foot distance between others.
• Avoid touching shared surfaces and equipment.
• Take trash with you.
• Do not park illegally.
• Wash hands frequently.

Town of Herndon Information

Fairfax County Department of Family Services Resources

In addition to the resources shared last Friday, the County's Department of Family Services has provided additional information on how to receive assistance from a distance.  If you have trouble viewing the information below, click  here  to open a PDF with the same information. 

 

John